Residents and business owners encouraged to attend
By Barb Pert Templeton
Join the conversation.
That’s the invitation that has been issued to Marine City residents and business owners as plans for a pair of public workshops focused on business development take shape.
An announcement posted to the city’s Facebook page on Monday morning, March 9, states that the administration is “taking an exciting step toward strengthening our local business community”
The dates and times for the workshops are Wednesday March 11 and Wednesday March 25 at 7 p.m. at the city hall meeting chambers. The sessions will focus on Business Development Tools and Incentive Programs that could help attract new businesses, support existing ones, and encourage smart investment throughout the city, according to the announcement. These workshops are designed to explore ideas, review available programs, and discuss strategies that can help Marine City continue to grow while supporting our local economy, the statement explained.
This was posted on the city’s Facebook page on March 9 to promote two upcoming workshops on business development.
Business owners, entrepreneurs, property owners or really anyone who cares about the future of Marine City are welcome to attend and utilize the event as a great opportunity to learn more and share their perspective. The announcement concludes with this statement: “Your voice matters as we explore ways to continue building a strong and vibrant Marine City.”
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Marine City Manager Michael Reaves via email to pose some additional questions about the workshops.
Blue Water Healthy Living: How did the idea to host Business Development Workshops in the city come about?
Marine City Manager Micheal Reaves: We have an aggressive attitude to attract development, or redevelopment opportunities to Marine City. We need additional housing / people to move to Marine City so that our businesses thrive, etc. It appears, at least for now that at a county level there does not seem to be an interest in assisting with that process by utilizing development tools – such as Tifa’s, Brownfields, etc. So, we will go it on our own if need be.
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves.
BWHL: What’s the format for the workshops – A formal agenda?
Reaves: A non-formal agenda with presentations by City Attorney Robert David, Administrative Consultant Scott Adkins and perhaps the AEDA and others. Guest speakers, to be determined.
BWHL: Who’s invited – do attendees have to own a business or be a resident of Marine City or are people from other communities welcome too?
Reaves: Anyone and everyone – this is a public meeting, but not under a meeting structure – a workshop.
BWHL: Will city commissioners be present for these workshops or will this be hosted by city administration?
Reaves: Yes and the Board of Commissioners are the targeted group, but I hope we have others – always looking for additional input.
Education – start a discussion on what “fits best” for our community’s needs. We are not looking for a wide open no holds barred approach – but rather a measured approach that has boundaries.
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves comments on what organizers expect to accomplish via the workshops.
BWHL: Will there be an opportunity for attendees to share their thoughts and ideas on businesses in Marine City?
Reaves: Not in a formal sense – no available public comment as this is not an official city commission meeting. I for see back and forth discussion between all parties.
BWHL: How long are the workshops expected to last?
Reaves: One to two hours on both 3/11 and 3/25 – starting at 7 p.m.
BWHL: What are organizers of these workshops hoping to accomplish?
Reaves: Education – start a discussion on what “fits best” for our community’s needs. The discussion of what parameters these development tools should have. We are not looking for a wide open no holds barred approach – but rather a measured approach that has boundaries.
BWHL: The last few public meetings/workshops hosted in the city by the administration weren’t very well attended – is there a strategy in place to promote better attendance or get the word out this time?
Reaves: That’s a great question – it is difficult to get people out to attend, ask questions and give input. However, we will continue to utilize public forums, town halls, social media, website notifications, small community or group meetings – any format that I can utilize that allows for better communication.
